AIYANA is a rock band carving out their own identity through a dynamic blend of rock, pop-punk, and heavier influences—an evolving sound they proudly call “Aiyanacore.”
With their energetic performances and growing presence in the Philippine music scene, AIYANA continues to explore what it means to create music on their own terms while building a connection with their audience.
For City Stories: Band Edition, AIYANA opens up about their musical journey, the meaning behind their sound, the experiences that shaped them as a band, and what lies ahead for their music.
For those discovering Aiyana for the first time, how would you describe the band and the music you create?
We love to think that our sound is a fresh take on OPM you may or may have not yet listened to. The best description we heard from our friends is that our sound showcases catchy vocal melodies that are more pop sounding, without sacrificing or stripping down the technical aspects that fully makes us pop.
Aiyana has been part of the local music scene for several years. Looking back, how did the band originally come together, and what inspired you to pursue music as Aiyana?
It just made a lot of sense for us to be in a band together since we’re basically family. Living in the same area makes it easier to have weekly rehearsals, work on songwriting, play gigs, and do other activities together as a band.
But, of course, it’s our chemistry and connection that ultimately drove us to pursue a music career together as Aiyana.
Your sound has evolved quite a lot throughout your journey. How would you describe the evolution of Aiyana’s music from your early days to where you are today?
What a great question! Our early songs were heavily influenced by pop-punk, post-hardcore, and metalcore, infused with some technical elements. We love being technical, but we always try not to overplay.
With that in mind, we challenge ourselves to create technical-sounding music that is still easy on the ears of mainstream listeners. Of course, our experience working with talented producers has also helped us discover where our music belongs and what direction we want to take sonically.
You’ve been associated with the term “Aiyanacore.” How did that identity come about, and what does it mean to the band?
Aiyanacore is a term we coined to define our genre. One day, we were in the car heading home from a recording session, and we couldn’t really decide what genre our music belonged to, so we simply called it “Aiyanacore.”
Coincidentally, we also use “Aiyanacore” to refer to our followers and fan base, which makes the term even more meaningful to us.
What artists or bands have had the biggest influence on Aiyana’s sound and songwriting?
Each member has their own influences and brings something different to the table, so we’re just going to name a few. It’s up to you guys to guess which member is influenced by whom. Haha!
Protest the Hero, YOASOBI, Polyphia, CHON, Metallica, Bullet for My Valentine, Jessa Zaragoza, Donna Cruz, Guthrie Govan, Jaya, UDD (Armi), Typecast, Saosin, Coheed and Cambria, A Day to Remember, Dirty Loops, John Mayer, anime music, and many more!
Coming from the Cavite/Tagaytay music scene, how has your hometown and local community shaped the band you’ve become?
Tagaytay didn’t have much of a scene before, but it’s nice that more and more productions are producing shows here in our hometown. The weather is nice here so it makes sense to produce destination gigs here! Let’s go!
Lowland Cavite on the other hand, particularly Dasma and Imus, is known for its metal scene and home to household names like SIN. So we admit that we were kinda anxious that we’re not heavy enough to play alongside these metal/hardcore bands– so we did try to fit in and create songs that fit in these types of gigs.
But either way, we’re glad that we are accepted in these different scenes despite not being too heavy or too pop-punk.
Aiyana has performed alongside established OPM acts and international artists. What performance or opportunity has been the most memorable for the band so far, and why?
A Skylit Drive Live in Manila for sure! Opening for a foreign band like them really put our skills to the test. But it was one of our best shows in terms of how well we played cause it’s safe to say we killed it! The overall experience was awesome from soundcheck to the end of the show!
After playing more than a hundred gigs, what have live performances taught you about yourselves as musicians and as a band?
It taught us that there are some off nights, but you just have to follow through, enjoy, and remember why you are doing this in the first place! Also, taking a break to prevent insanity is also an option!
What has been the biggest challenge Aiyana has faced throughout its journey, and how did you overcome it together?
Probably as adults with work, families, and all that–it is the scheduling conflicts. But through compromise and delegation of tasks, we overcame this challenge that we are still facing even now.
The pandemic caused major changes for many artists and bands. How did that period affect Aiyana, both creatively and personally?
The pandemic might have been a good thing for us because it made us miss playing live shows and interacting with people, and because of that– 100+ gigs post pandemic. Plus, it gave us time to write songs until the lockdown was lifted.
Your debut album carries the band’s own name, Aiyana. What did releasing that album mean to each of you?
Releasing this album feels like you are leaving a piece of history! The fact that we created this album and seeing it in physical form brings us joy!
Is there a particular song in your discography that feels especially personal to the band? What makes that song different from the others?
“Sayaw” is probably the most special song, because it is the culmination of the sound we have been chasing since we started.
When writing and creating music together, how do you balance five different personalities, ideas, and musical perspectives?
Yes. Each section has their own personality and synergizes when pieced together. But not all the time. Compromise is a must especially in a band where each member has strong personalities.
How has Aiyana changed as a band since your first few years together—not only musically, but also as individuals and friends?
Individually, being in the band taught us to be more confident. As a group, we are closer than ever and have each other’s backs– which helps, especially in conflict resolution and on stage performances.
What is one thing about being an independent/local band that you wish more people understood?
It’s the freedom to do whatever you want with your brand and your music. If you have a clear vision and want to follow through with it, being independent is the way to go!
However, the challenge is staying on that path and not getting distracted along the way. Having no external pressure also means that you have to learn how to manage yourself, stay disciplined, and remain committed to your vision.
You’ve shared stages with some of the biggest names in OPM. What have you learned from the artists and musicians you’ve encountered along the way?
Seeing all these talented musicians and legends perform live and working with talented producers in the studio taught us that consistency is key. You have to master your craft and trust your band mates to have your back whether you’re playing live or in the studio.
Now that Aiyana has reached a new chapter with Project Fort and Numinous Philippines, what are you hoping this new chapter will bring?
Being backed by these pillars in the industry will probably make people who know us or have heard of us have higher expectations from us, and we have to back that up by improving ourselves as musicians and as good people each day.
The real challenge is just starting and there is no slowing down now. We’re just gonna keep creating and doing what we love!
If you could speak to the version of Aiyana that was just starting out, what would you tell yourselves?
For us, we are still young in the scene. There are so many people that need to hear us. But if we had a message for an older version of Aiyana, it’s probably, “Just keep doing what you’re doing and all that hard work will pay off somehow.”
After everything you’ve accomplished so far, what is one dream or milestone that Aiyana still wants to achieve?
There are so many gigs we want to play but haven’t had the chance to play yet so that’s one. Another thing is we want to tour and play venues in Visayas, Mindanao, or even internationally if given the chance.
Finally, for everyone who has supported Aiyana from the beginning—and for those discovering your music today—what do you want them to remember about your story and the music you create?
For us, our story is still in its early stages. All we can say is that we hope we can still continue to do this band thing and meet new people along the way! Thank you and keep streaming our songs!
Welcome to City Writer 
Leave a comment